Space Activities Bill in final stages: ISRO

Secretary to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) R Uma Maheshwaran speaking at a webinar revealed that the Space Activities Bill is soon to be approved by the Cabinet.

Bengaluru:The space policy and the Space Activities Bill are in the final stages, the inter-ministerial consultations of which have begun said secretary to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) R Uma Maheshwaran.

Speaking at 'Unlocking India's potential in the space sector', a webinar organised by ISRO, Maheshwaran added that the bill would soon be sent to the cabinet for an impending approval following which it would be introduced in the Parliament for it to be voted into an Act.

"Until the act comes into play, the industry can go start working with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), but ultimately when the time comes for them to launch vehicles or when they are ready with satellites, the risks and liabilities and regulation must be ready," Maheshwaran said.

He also hinted at introducing a new navigation policy but didn't divulge more details.

In June 2020, the government announced a major reform in India's space arena by allowing the private sector to carry out space activities like building rockets, satellites and providing launch services.

The ISRO chairman had said very soon a system will be put in place for approval that will enable these activities to happen without any hindrance.

The space policy and the Space Activities Bill will help address legal issues in this strategic sector.